How did Grant Wood reject European abstraction in his artwork?

Question

How did Grant Wood reject European abstraction in his artwork?

American Gothic, painting by Grant Wood, showing a farmer standing beside a woman in front of a house

Responses

Wood used bold colors from his imagination to convey emotion and drama.

Wood used bold colors from his imagination to convey emotion and drama.

Wood painted with loose, animated brushstrokes to enhance the energy of the painting.

Wood painted with loose, animated brushstrokes to enhance the energy of the painting.

Wood favored a soft, muted palette with subtle contrasts between darks and lights.

Wood favored a soft, muted palette with subtle contrasts between darks and lights.

Wood used meticulous brushwork to capture the intricate details of figures and objects.

Answer 1

Wood rejected European abstraction by embracing a more realistic and representational style in his artwork. He focused on capturing the everyday lives of American people and their surroundings with great attention to detail. Instead of veering towards abstract, non-representative forms, Wood depicted recognizable scenes and figures in a way that emphasized the unique and distinctive qualities of American rural life. This rejection of European abstraction can be seen in his iconic painting "American Gothic," which portrays a farmer and his daughter in a straightforward and realistic manner, devoid of any abstract or symbolic elements.